The Artists of the Month at the Cedar Keyhole are Donna and Dave Tanck, a husband and wife team of glass artists.

Minnesota-born, but Floridians at heart, the Tancks create all types of handcrafted art glass, including jewelry, window panels, stepping stones, tables, sun catchers, vases , kaleidoscopes, incense burners, night lights and more. They work together, using a variety of processes to create their art which include fusing, slumping, elad caning, foiling and soldering.

The Cedar Keyhole, a 21 artist co-op, is located on 2nd St. and is open seven days a week except on Christmas and Thanksgiving, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday

Book sale at Cedar Key library

The Cedar Key Friends of the Library will hold a Used Book Sale on Saturday, Dec. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the upstairs Community Room in the Cedar Key Public Library.

All proceeds will be used for the library and its programs.

December 30

Application deadline extended

The Old Florida Celebration of the Arts Festival (OFCA) in Cedar Key has extended its deadline for artists applications to Dec 30.

Fine artists with original work may apply through zapplication.org or by mail - download an application from our website: www.cedarkeyartsfestival.com. Postmarked by Dec. 30 is okay! Don’t delay, apply today for the April 13-14, 2013 Fine Arts Festival.

January 1

Take a hike for the New Year

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service invites the public to get back to nature and start the New Year out right by participating in America's State Parks First Day Hikes 2013 on Jan. 1.

America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on Jan. 1 at a state park. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family. Currently, there are 627 First Day Hikes spanning all 50 states. The Florida Park Service is proud to host more than 60 events, the most of any state.

“I encourage Florida families and visitors to begin 2013 in our state parks and enjoy the natural world around you,” said Donald Forgione, Florida Park Service Director. “Join others across Florida and the nation for a First Day Hike as part of a national health and outdoor awareness movement.”

Start times will vary by park. Please check the park’s event page for details. The events will take place in the Northeast Region at:

There will be a Beginning Throwing with Clay class at the Cedar Key Arts Center in January from Monday, Jan. 7-Monday, Jan. 14.

If you are interested, sign up at the Cedar KeyHole downstairs, or call Amy at 352-215-2096.

January 8

County Spelling Bee

The Levy County District Spelling Bee will be Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 9:45 a.m. at the Bronson High School Cafeteria.

The winners in grades 4 through 8 from individual bees held in Levy County schools will be competing for the title of district champion and the opportunity to compete in the Big Bend Regional Spelling Bee on Feb. 9 in Tallahassee. From there, the regional winners are eligible to compete at the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

January 19

Manatee Awareness Month program

Manatee Springs State Park will host a variety of featured guests on Saturday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of its celebration of Manatee Awareness Month.

With the cooler weather, the featured guest will be the manatee, along with partners in manatee protection awareness, education and enforcement. Various agencies will have booths set up so visitors can enjoy learning about the Gentle Giants and how to protect them.

The Manatee Spring, the head spring at Manatee Springs State Park, emits mineral-rich water at a constant 72 degrees which provides a warm water haven for the manatee when other bodies of waters' temperatures decrease below 68 degrees.

Activities for Saturday program are free with a paid park admission in January. For more information call the park at 352-493-6072. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

Manatee Springs State Pare is at 11650 N.W. 115th St., Chiefland.

January 26

Moonlight Paddle at Manatee park

Manatee Springs State Park will host a moonlight paddle event on the Suwannee River starting at 5:45 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. The paddle will start at Manatee Springs State Park, 11650 N.W. 115th St., Chiefland.

Participants will learn about the history of the river while enjoying the beautiful scenery by moonlight. The park’s Citizen Support Organization will provide a short program following the moonlight paddle. Light refreshments will be served.

To reserve a rental kayak for $20 or canoe for $30 through Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures, call 571-230-0906. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring bottled water, a flash light and whistle. Children under the age of six and pets are not allowed due to safety. Park entrance fees of $6 per carload of up to eight people will apply. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

Other moonlight paddles will be at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23.

For more information, call Melissa LeMatty at 352-493-6072 or Joleen Dudley at 352-493-6736.

February 2

Fair organizers looking for donations

The Levy County Fair Association will be having its annual yard sale fund-raiser on Saturday, Feb. 2 at 8 a.m. at Keeping It Green Nursery on the corner of N. Main Street and NE 2nd Avenue in Williston, across from Williston General Dentistry.

Organizers are looking for donations for the yard sale and encourage early spring cleaning.

The Levy County Fair Association is a non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible.

Volunteers will also pick up and/or move your donations. Call Marc at 352-538-5551 to make arrangements.

The Fair will be April 11-14 at the Williston Airport Industrial Park, across from the Williston Horseman’s Park.

Visit and click on the Creative Arts link to see all the Creative Arts categories; from Baking & Food Preservation, to Sewing and Hobby Crafts. There will also be a complete livestock show, full midway, attractions, games, exhibitions and food.